The Photoperiod Regulates Granulosa Cell Apoptosis through the FSH-Nodal/ALK7 Signaling Pathway in .

The photoperiod regulates the seasonal reproduction of mammals by affecting the follicle development, for which the granulosa cells provide nutrition. However, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Here, Djungarian hamsters () were raised under different photoperiods to study the ovarian status and explore the potential mechanism of the follicle development mediated by the FSH-Nodal/ALK7 signaling pathway.

Effects of short daylight and mild low temperature on mitochondrial degeneration in the testis of Cricetulus barabensis.

In this study, we investigated the mitochondrial energy supply capacity and molecular mechanisms of apoptosis, mitochondrial fission, and mitophagy in regulating mitochondrial degeneration in testis of striped dwarf hamsters (Cricetulus barabensis) under mild low temperature (15°C) and short daylight (10 h:14 h) conditions. Results showed that under moderate daylight and mild low temperature (ML), short daylight and moderate temperature (SM), short daylight and mild low temperature (SL) conditions, the mitochondria were swollen and cristae were disrupted. Compared with the moderate daylight & moderate temperature group (MM; 12 h:12 h, 22°C), the number of mitochondria was significantly decreased in the SM and SL groups.

Up-Regulation of Glycogen Synthesis and Degradation Enzyme Level Maintained Myocardial Glycogen in Huddling Brandt's Voles Under Cool Environments.

Small mammals exhibit limited glucose use and glycogen accumulation during hypothermia. Huddling is a highly evolved cooperative behavioral strategy in social mammals, allowing adaptation to environmental cooling. However, it is not clear whether this behavior affects the utilization of glycogen in cold environments.

Estrogen receptor 2 mediates intraspecific aggressive behaviors of the female in the estrous cycle.

The social behavior mechanisms have not been thoroughly reported in the solitary female striped dwarf hamster (). In this study, the handling bag test and neutral arena measurements were used to detect the changes of aggression in the face of rivals of different genders of wild striped dwarf hamsters. We found that female hamsters had the highest aggressive performance in proestrus, followed by estrus, and the lowest in metestrus and the dioestrus, and the increased aggression during the proestrus or estrus period was low-intensity aggression such as intimidation, shock, boxing and counterattack, or even ritualized non-harmful behaviors to drive away opponents.

Change on apoptosis, autophagy and mitochondria of the Harderian gland in Cricetulus barabensis during age.

Harderian gland (HG) plays an important role in the physiological adaptation to terrestrial life, however, the mechanisms underlying the changes in the structure and function of the HG during aging remain unclear. This study investigated autophagy and apoptosis in the HG of striped dwarf hamsters (Cricetulus barabensis) of different ages (sub-adult, adult and aged groups) in both males and females. The results showed that LC3II/LC3I and puncta of LC3 were significantly higher in adult and aged individuals than sub-adults, whereas P62 decreased with age.

The effect of autophagy and mitochondrial fission on Harderian gland is greater than apoptosis in male hamsters during different photoperiods.

Photoperiod is an important factor of mammalian seasonal rhythm. Here, we studied morphological differences in the Harderian gland (HG), a vital photosensitive organ, in male striped dwarf hamsters (Cricetulus barabensis) under different photoperiods (short photoperiod, SP; moderate photoperiod, MP; long photoperiod, LP), and investigated the underlying molecular mechanisms related to these morphological differences. Results showed that carcass weight and HG weight were lower under SP and LP conditions.

Novel ultrastructural findings on cardiac mitochondria of huddling Brandt's voles in mild cold environment.

Reduced ambient temperature has a damaging effect on mammalian myocardium. Huddling as a cooperative behavior has evolved in social mammals as a strategy to maximize adaptation to environmental cooling. Here, we studied the effects of huddling behavior on mitochondrial morphology, number, and function in the myocardia of Brandt's voles (Lasiopodomys brandtii) under cool environmental temperatures (15 °C).

Photoperiod Affects Harderian Gland Morphology and Secretion in Female : Autophagy, Apoptosis, and Mitochondria.

Photoperiod is an important factor of mammalian seasonal rhythm. The Harderian gland (HG) appears to act as a "standby" structure of the retinal-pineal axis, mediating light signals and neuroendocrine regulation ; however, the effect of photoperiod on the HG is not clear. Here, we studied morphological differences in the HG of female striped dwarf hamsters (), a small mammal that experiences an annual rhythm, under different photoperiods (i.

Effect of RFRP-3 on reproduction is sex- and developmental status-dependent in the striped hamster (Cricetulus barabensis).

RFamide-related peptides (RFRPs) are orthologous to gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone (GnIH) inhibiting gonadotropin release. There are only two RFRP sequences (RFRP-1 and RFRP-3) encoded in rodents. RFRP-3, which was considered as a hypothetical inhibitor on GnRH, shows a stimulatory effect on the male Syrian and male Siberian hamster in short days.

[Genetic polymorphisms and genetic effects of IGF2 gene in pigs].

Single nucleotide polymorphisms of the exon7, 8, 9 of the porcine IGF2 gene were tested using PCR-SSCP. Genetic effects of the IGF2 gene on birth weight, weaning weight, six-month weight and six-month backfat thickness were analyzed. On the basis of the published DNA sequence (AY044828) of the porcine IGF2 gene, three pairs of primers were designed, and one polymorphism, three genotypes were found in the PCR product amplified with Ex8 primers.

Genetic polymorphisms and genetic effects of CAST gene in pigs.

Single-nucleotide polymorphisms of the porcine CAST gene were tested using PCR-SSCP. Genetic effects of the CAST gene on the meat quality and the backfat thickness were analyzed. On the basis of the published cDNA sequence (M20 160) of the porcine CAST gene, seven pairs of primers were designed, and two polymorphisms were found in the PCR products amplified with F1/ R1, and F6/R6 primers.